I’m Jack Holloway, and I created Despair Sanctuary to give people a space to confront grief and despair together. Inspired by James Baldwin, I wanted a place to grieve openly and listen to those who suffer. My wife showed me what kindness truly means, and I carry that into this work.

Despair Sanctuary comes from my own struggles with depression. I imagined a place where people could feel horrible together, but in a way that’s cathartic, with heavy music and community. It’s not just for metalheads—people of all ages come to experience the space and the permission to feel.

The most profound moments happen when the space holds contradictions—God and Satan, sinners and saints, all together in one room. I’ve seen people moved in ways they didn’t expect, realizing that grief and reflection can exist alongside joy and connection.

Being American means facing the weight of our history, and Despair Sanctuary gives people space to reckon with that. My goal is to create a space that is honest, reflective, and healing, where suffering is witnessed, and people can process it together.